DUBAI, UAE, March 26, 2007 -- Trenchless Middle East 2007 was clearly established as the region's largest and most prestigious meeting for trenchless technology professionals at its third international event held at the Jumeirah Beach Conference & Exhibition Centre in Dubai, 12-13 March.
Construction activity in the Middle East continues to run at the highest level for some 20 years and the show provided a timely focus for the industry to display an impressive range of equipment and services used in the installation, repair and refurbishment of urban utility pipelines.
Known colloquially as No-Dig technology in many parts of the world and also as NDRC (Non Disruptive Road Crossing) in the Gulf Region, the Exhibition was a tribute to the increasing use of the technology in the Middle East, as some 70 companies from 17 countries gathered together to present a truly representative display. Visitors were recorded from 30 different countries.
The two day exhibition was complemented by a Conference organized by the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) who presented a number of training modules, offering delegates detailed, accurate and non commercial presentations on various techniques.
The Conference opened with an introductory session explaining the cost and environmental impact benefits of using NDRC. New installation, On Line and Off Line replacement and rehabilitation methods were discussed in sessions covering selection, design and implementation. The Conference closed with an overview of costs, contract issues as well as environmental considerations. The ISTT training modules were supported by an excellent range of commercial presentations from leading suppliers, contractors and consultants working in the region.
A post event HDD site demonstration was organized for Conference delegates and hosted by Al Naboodah, one of the UAE's largest contractors. The demonstration showed the boring of a pilot hole using Vermeer O100 x 120 and HDD tracking with the Eclipse walk over system. A representative of Baroid was also on hand to explain the use of Bentonite
The 'Trenchless' series of events are organised by UK-based Westrade Group Ltd. (www.westrade.co.uk). At the close of the event, event director, Caroline Prescot commented, "It is very satisfying to see the growth of this event following our first appearance in Dubai some four years ago. NDRC is essentially the preferred choice for underground construction and maintenance in many growing urban environments. Dubai was a perfect host as an example of a city where huge volumes of traffic cannot afford to be held up further by construction work."
The organizers have announced that Trenchless Middle East will return to the UAE in March 2009.
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